Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has declared a state of emergency due to current drought conditions throughout Nebraska.
As part of that declaration, the Governor directed the Nebraska Department of Roads to advance the starting date for roadside haying from July 15 to July 3 in 55 counties, including Chase County and all of those in southwest Nebraska.
The state of emergency allows state personnel and resources to assist with emergency situations and prevention, and also allows the deployment of the Nebraska National Guard and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency assets and resources as needed.
“This action is necessary,” said Heineman, “as dry conditions are presenting an imminent threat to the ability of local governments to respond to drought conditions.”